Machine for stamping articles



1, 1951' N. E. BRYANT 2,551,092

MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES Filed March 26, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 N. E. BRYANT MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES May 1,1951

Filed march 26, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENJOR. Mum Z7. fi/ ya/zf BY I 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 mum:

A rme/w I 'JNVENTOR. Mil/J 5! :EEEEEF u E. BRYANT MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES May 1; 1951 N. E. BRYANT Y MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 26, 1948 M7 V INVENTOR. J5 W3 25. java/7f TTOR/YfVJ May 1, 1951 N. E. BRYANT MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 26, 1948 J47: J? i vM/ ATTOR/WFYJ Patented -May 1, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR STAMPING ARTICLES Novis E. Bryant, Roswell, N. Mex.

Application March 26, 1948, Serial No. 17,175

My invention relates to machines for stamping a plurality of similar articles with similar or like indicia. Although not so limited, the machine according to the invention is particularly adapted to stamp price or other identifying indicia on containers for food.

As is well known, many modern groceries are of the self-service type whereby it is important that each article displayed for sale be marked with its price. Moreover, in larger stores, the turn over of goods is tremendous, and a large number of like articles must be marked with a like price. Many such articles, such as canned goods, come in one or two popular sizes which .are packed in cases or cartons.

formed into open-topped racks each holding one layer of the containers. The containers in such racks are arranged in a definite pattern which is the same for each size of container, but which varies-with the size of the containers in the racks. The machine according to my invention is particularly adapted to stamp simultaneously all of thearticles in a rack formed as above described or racks of similar size.

With the foregoing in view, an object of my invention is to provide an improved gang stamp for articles.

A further object is to provide an improved gang stamp for articles which includes one or more gangs of stamps so arranged as to stamp simultaneouslyall of a plurality of like articles in one or more racks containing articles of like size and which are arranged in the racks in one or more patterns.

A further object is to provide a gang stamper which comprises novel combinations and subcombinations of a bed, a stamper frame, one or more gangs of stamps carried by the frame, means for actuating said frame through a succession of stamping strokes, means for inking the stamps, and means for automatically feeding a plurality of racks of articles across said bed for successive stamping, together with the novel elements comprising said combinations and sub-combinations.

A further object is to provide a novel gang stamp which includes like sets of stamps arranged to provide a gang stamp and/or which includes novel means for simultaneously changing the setting of all sets of stamps.

A further object is to provide an improved gang stamp which includes novel actuating means for actuating the gang through a succession of stamping strokes and novel means auto- 9 Claims. (Cl. 101-42) matically inking all of operatively positioned stamps of a gang between stamping strokes.

A further object is to provide an improved gang stamp which includes novel means for intermittently positioning and removing successive racks of articles onto and off of a stamping bed for stamping by said gang stamp.

A further object is to provide an improved gang stamp which is readily adjustable to stamp articles of different sizes and/'01- articles arranged in two or more different patterns in article-carrying racks.

A further object is to provide an improved gang stamp which includes novel means for inking the stamps.

Other objects and advantages reside in the particular structure of the invention, combinations and sub-combinations of the several parts thereof, and/or of the elements comprising the same, and/or in the particular method or mode of operation, all of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the attached drawing in connection with the followingspecification, wherein the invention is shown, described and claimed.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an end view of a Stamper according to the invention, parts being broken away and shown in transverse vertical section;

Figure 2 is a top plan view;

Figure 3 is a side elevation with parts broken away;

Figure 4 is a horizontalsectional view taken substantially on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section through the lower part of the device. parts being omitted for the sake of clarity, and illustrating a feature of the invention;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical section taken substantially on the plane of the line 6-6 of Figure l;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on the planes of the line l'l of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation, parts being broken away and shown in transverse vertical section, illustrating a detail;

Figure 9 is a transverse vertical section through one end of one of the inking rolls and shown on an enlarged scale;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing a further detail;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a portion of the stamper frame apart from the rest of the structure.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary elevation of the de tail of FigurelO.

out the several views to designate like parts, H designates generally a base or stand which includes vertical side frame members I2 which may be suitably formed to slidably receive drawers 13 therein forthe reception of spare parts Hi or the like. The side frame members I2 are connected together at their upper edges by a top wall it which is horizontally disposd and provides a bed for the device. A plurality of verticallyeextending frame members I6 are fixed to the side frame members l2 and extend vertically a considerable distance above the bed l to provide anarbor. At least the upper ends of the arbor-providing members it are tubular and slidably receive the lower ends of depending rods H. The upper ends of the rods ll at each side of the arbor are connected by longitudinally-extending horizontallydisposed frame members H8. The frame members IB are connected intermediate their ends by a cross-brace 20. A central portion of the crossbrace is provided with a suitable journal 2! for the upper and unthreaded end of a threaded shaft 22. The shaft 22 extends vertically toward the bed lfi and the upper end thereof has fixed thereon a suitable disc 23 providing a flywheel or crank and which includes an actuating crank handle 24. Suitable coil springs l9 surround the rods ll between the upper ends of the arbor-providing members l6 and the under sides of the frame-providing members i8, whereby to provide 'shock absorbers and vibration-absorbing means. The lower end of the shaft 22 is threaded in the interiorly-threaded collar or web 25 of a yoke which includes a pair of diverging legs 26, the lower ends of which are rigidly connected to a stamper frame 27. As is obvious from the foregoing, the crank or disc 23, together with the shaft '22, provides means for raising or lowering the frame 2'! whereby to adjust the latter for articles of difierent heights. As will appear, a floating portion of the stamper frame 21 is adapted to be reciprocated toward and away from the bed l5, and such motion is permitted by the sliding connection of the head-providing frame '58 and its supporting rods IT. The springs l9 in addi" tion to their vibration-damping and shock-absorbing characteristics comprise means for returning the floating portion of the frame 2? to its uppermost position, at the completion of a stamp ing stroke.

The stamp frame '2'? comprises a lower frame portion which includes transverse frame members 28 which extend across the bed [5 and which are connected by longitudinally-extending side frame members 29, the upper edges of which intermediate the ends are formed to provide rack teeth 38. The end and side frame members 28 and 29 are connected together to provide a rigid frame in any suitable manner, not shown. The side frame members 29 also include upper and lower strip members I30 and 3!, respectively, which are maintained in vertically-spaced parallel relation by end blocks 32 and 33, respectively, the end blocks 32 being at the left hand end of the machine and the end blocks 33 at the right hand end of the machine, Figures 3 and 4. The end blocks 32 and 33 are secured to the racks 29 and to the strip members i3il and 3! in any suitable manner, not shown, whereby to provide a slideway between the members I39 and 35. Such slideway is located just outwardly of the racks 29 for a purpose to be described later. The legs 26 of the yoke are secured in any suitable manner to the end frame members 28 intermediate the ends of the latter. The frame for the stamper includes a pair of longitudinally-extending frame members 34, each of which extends longitudinally of the bed l5 along one side in vertically-spaced relation to the lower frame members aforesaid. Each of the frame members 3 comprises a relatively thick plate 3 formed with a pair of longitudinally-spaced and vertically-extending relatively large apertures 35 therethrough and adjacent relatively smaller and likewise longitudinally-spaced, vertically-extending apertures 36, the purpose of which will be described later. The outer edge surface of the intermediate frame members 3 are flat, but the inner edges are extended to provide a plurality of longitudinally-spaced and relatively short bracket members 37, and also a plurality of relatively long bracket members 38 which extend inwardly between adjacent bracket members 37. The structure of the frame members '34 is best seen in Figure 11. The arbor-providing frame members l6 are slidably received in the large apertures 35 of the frame members 34 and the frame members 34 are resiliently supported on coil springs 39 which are concentrically disposed about the frame members it below the frame members 34. The lower ends of the springs 39 seat against the upper edges of tubular sleeves Q6 which are concentrically disposed about the frame members [6 and which are likewise fixed to the stamp frame 21 in any suitable manner, not shown. Thus, the springs 39 provide recoil springs as well as vibration-damping springs, and are effective to return the floating portion of the frame 27 to its uppermost position at the completion of a stamping stroke. The sleeves Ml have fixed thereto smaller and shorter sleeves 4H for a purpose to be described later.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the parts of the floating stamp frame now to be described and which are supported by the intermediate frame members 34 are vertically reciprocable on the arbor-providing members l6 relative to the restof the stamp frame. Each short bracket 31 of the side frame members 34 has fixed to the free end thereof a vertically-disposed journal-providing member 62. In like manner, each of the long brackets 38 has fixed to the free end thereof a vertically-disposed journalproviding member 43. The journal-providing member 42 are connected together at their upper ends by a cross-brace Q8. The cross-brace 48 and the upper ends of the journal-providing members 32 have journaled therein in longitudinally-spaced relation 'a plurality of cross-shafts 44 and a single cross-shaft 45. The cross-shaft 45 is located at the right-hand end of the crossbrace 68. One end of the shaft 45 is extended laterally outwardly of the frame and formed to provide a crank 46. Each end of each shaft 44 and 45 has fixed thereon a sprocket 49, and all of such sprockets 49 are connected together for rotation simultaneously by a chain 47. Each shaft M and 45 has fixed thereon in longitudinally-spaced relation a number of sprockets 50 for endless chains 5|. The chains 5-! are best seen in Figures 10 and 12, and comprise a plurality of pivotally-connected links 15! of any suitable form. Each link l5l has mounted thereon means providing a spring clip 53 for detachably securing thereto a suitable indicia-bearing stamp 54. The stamps 54 may be of any suitable structure, such as rubber stamps, and are provided on their upper and lower edges with grooves 55 for a laterally-slidable engagement with the tongues of the spring clips 53. Thus, to replace a stamp 54, it is only necessary to slide the same laterally out of the spring clip 53 holding the same. As shown in Figure 10, at least one clip 53 of each chain contains no stamp, whereby to provide a blank space on each chain. The purpose of this omission will be apparent later.

The lower ends of the journal-providing mem-'- bers 42 are connected together by cross-shafts 5B journaled therein and on which are fixed a plurality of sprockets 5? for thechains 5!. It will be apparent from the foregoing that each chain 5|, together with the stamps 54 carried thereby, comprises a set of stamps, and all of such sets of stamps comprise a gang of stamp sets. Each stamp 54 bears a different indicia, such as a different price, and like stamps of each set are similarly positioned in all sets of the gang. Also, the blank clips 53 of each set are similarly positioned in each set of the gang. Thus, the operator of the stamper may, by rotating the crank d6, simultaneously change the setting of each set of stamps so that each set has a similar indicia-bearing stamp positioned at the lowermost point of the chain which comprises the stamping position for the stamps of the sets. Obviously, then, if a like article is positioned on the bed l5 below each chain 5|, a downward movement of the stamp frame 21 and/or of the chains 5! and their related parts, will result in all of the articles so positioned being simultaneously stamped with like indicia.

The gang of stamps just described are 24 sets in number and are arranged on the stamp frame in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of one layer of a case or carton, or rather, the pattern of the articles contained in a case or carton, wherein the articles are symmetrically positioned thereinin two layers of twenty-four each. This arrangement is typical in the packaging of a popular sized can and permits one-half of the can carton to be used to provide a rack for the cans when the same are stamped. Another poppular sized can of a larger size is packed in two layers of twelve each in a similar cardboard carton. To accommodate such popular sized can, I have provided a second gang of stamp sets now tobe described.

To mount the second gang of stamp sets, the upper ends of the journal-providing members 43 are fixed to the inner free edges of the elongated brackets 38 of the member 34. The upper ends of the journal-providing members 43 are connected together by a cross-brace 58. Cross-shafts 58 are journaled in the upper ends of the members 43 and the cross-brace 58. One cross-shaft 59 is extended, as at 60, outwardly of the frame and formed to provide a crank 6|, Figure 1. Intermediate portions of the shafts 59 have fixed thereon for rotation. therewith sprockets 62 for chains 53 which correspond to the chains 5i aforesaid, and which have mounted on each link thereof stamps 5 held in place for ready detachment by clips 53. The lower ends of the journal-providing members 43 are connected together by cross-shafts 64 journaled therein and which are provided with longitudinally-spaced sprockets 65 for the chains 63. Outwardly of each cross-brace 58, the cross-shafts 59 have fixed thereon sprockets 66 connected together by chains 61, From the foregoing, it is apparent that the second gang of stamps is ac- When the stamp sets of one gang are in use, the

tuated by the cranks 6! to change the settingof the sets in the same manner as that described for the sets of the first gang. Also, it is to be understood that the stamp sets of the stamp sets of the other gang are set so that the blank clip 53 is in the stamping position,

whereby to avoid the possibility of contradictory indicia bein stamped on the same container or article. However, in the particular gangs shown and described, the patterns of the cans in their racks is such that the stamps of the inoperative gang will normally hit in the interstices between adjacent containers.

To reciprocate the stamps of both gangs relative to the stamp frame 27, there is provided a drive shaft l0 which is journaled in the side frame members l2 of the bed or base H. The opposite ends of the drive shaft 10 extend outwardly of the members i2 and are formed to provide like and similarly-disposed cranks H, and free ends E2 in axial alignment with the drive shaft 10. Each free end 12 has fixedly secured thereto a flywheel or crank disc 73 formed to provide a crank handle M on the outer surface thereof. The crank H has pivoted thereto in any suitable manne the lower end of the connecting rod 15 which is relatively elongated and which is adjustably secured in a sleeve 16. The sleeve i6 is ..pivotally secured to a pitman 18 by acom-bine'd set screw and pivot pin 11. As clearly shown in Figure 8, the set screw 11 extends through the sleeve 75 and provides means for locking the connecting rod 15 in longitudinally-adjusted relation relative to the pitman 18. The purpose of this arrangement is to permit the stamping frame 21 to be raised or lowered to accommodate articles or containers of different heights without varying the stroke of the reciprocable portion of the stamp frame. A lower portion of the pitman 18 is fixedly secured in any suitable manner to a crosshead 79 which may be provided with an aperture 80 therethrough for the free passage of the extended end of the connecting rod 15. In this connection, the aperture 80 provides a longitudinal slot to permit free oscillation of the extended end of the connecting rod '25 as the flywheel l3 revolves. The upper end of the pitman 18 is secured in any suitable manner toan upper crosshead 8!. The lower and upper crossheads 8| extend longitudinally of the frame outwardly thereof and their outer ends are connected together by vertically-disposed rods 82, the, upper ends of which extend above the upper crosshead 8| a considerable distance. Lower portions of the rods 82 are slidably received in the smaller sleeves M aforesaid, while the upper ends of suchv rods are slidably received in the smaller apertures 36 aforesaid in the intermediate frame member- 34. The upper free ends of the rods 82 are pref-1 erably threaded and provided with nuts 83 to provide adjustable stops. As is readily apparent from Figure 3, the slidable connections of the rods 82 in the frame members 34 provide a lost motion connection between the pitman 18 and the relatively reciprocable portion of the stampframe 27. Thus, with the crank ll at the uppe most limit of its stroke, the upper ends of the rods 82, together with the stops 83, will project a substantial distance above the upper surface of the frame members 34. At an intermediate point on the down stroke of the crank H, the

stops 83 will engage the upper surface of the both enes are carried do ard y toward he b d. th ugh a stamping stroke. When the crank ll reaches its lowermost point and starts to rise, the pressure of the stops 83 is released from the frame member 35, but such frame memberis driven upwardly by the springs 39 aforesaid. This recoil by the springs continues to the limit of expansion of the springs, .as shown in Figure 3, and continued rotation of the crank extends the stops 83 to the Figure 3 position well above the upper surface of the frame members 34. The purpose of this lost-motion connection is to provide an intermittent stamping stroke wherein the stamps are stationary to permit inking thereof by means now to be described.

The operating mechanism for the inker to be described presently comprises a drag link 85, the upper end of which is pivoted, as at 85 to the inner edge of each upper crosshead 8i. The

drag links v8t extend diagonally and longitudimembers I30 and 3| aforesaid in the slideway provided by the spacing thereof. Theside members 88 are retained in place at one end by a headed pin 88 fixed thereto which slides in a slot 90 formed .in the right-hand end block Figure 3. The opposite ends of the slides 88 are formed with longitudinally-extending slots 9| which slidably receive the headed pins 92 which are carried by and are inwardly-directed from the left-hand end blocks .32. Thus, both ends of the side members 88 are locked against lateral displacement from between the slidewaY-Dl0viding members I30 and 3E. The inking frame members 88 are provided with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apertures therethrough providing journals for the stub shafts 93 of a plurality of inking rolls 9t which are best illustrated in FigureQ.

Each inking roll 94, Figure 9, comprises a tubular body 95, the open ends of which are closed by plugs'QiS which are secured therein in any suitends thereof and marginal portions of such plugs are formed with teeth to provide pinion gears Q1 which are adapted to mesh with the teeth of the racks 30. Each body portion 95 of each tube 94 is provided with a surface portion which is recessed, as at 98, at one side in the region of each stamp set. Such recessed portion 93 is formed with a, plurality of apertures t9 there: through for the passage of stamp ink to a Stamp pad-providing member H15 which is secured in the recesses 98. The apertures 99 are normally uppermost, but in the operation as will presently be described, are adapted to be rotated through 180 whereby they are downwardly directed to permit free passage of ink through theapertures 99 to the stamp pad-providing member N13 to reink the latter.

The operation of the inker comprises a horizontal reciprocation relative to the stamp frame and which reciprocation is continuous. As is readily apparent from Figure'3, as the pitman i8 reciprocates with the crosshead 81, such motion is transmitted through the drag link 58 to one end of the inker frame-providing members 88 and Causes h l r, ogether with the associated inking rolls "94, to reciprocate longitudinally of the, bed and re ativel to h s am r me s h inking frame reciprocates, the ink rolls are con tinuously oscillated through 189 because of the meshing of the pinions 97 with the rack 36. This oscillatory motion of the inking rolls 94 not only provides for e-inking of the stamp pad Itiil, but also serves to remove the inking rolls from their normal position beneath each stamp set to inoperative positions between adjacent rows of stamp sets, whereby to permit such stamp sets to come down with the floating portion of the stamp frame to perform a stamping stroke. Thus, the inking rolls are positioned beneath the rows'of stamp sets with the pads I81] uppermost and in contact with the lowermost stamp of each stamp set to ink such stamps during the period when by virtue of the lost motion connection aforesaid the floating portion of the stamping frame is stationary at the uppermost limits of the stamping stroke. Thereafter, as the adjustable stops 33Iapprcach the side frame members 3 the ink.- ing rolls 9.4 are moved laterally between the adjacent rows of stamp sets to permit the floating stamp frame to descend through the working portion or" the stamping stroke.

In the particularembodiment of the invention shown, it will be noted that the chain-supporting center upper cro-ssshaft 59 is so positioned as to bisect the heighteadjusting shaft 22. To avoid interference with such shaft, the upper crossshaft is divided centrally and the adjacent free ends till are journaled in the upper ends of the legs IE2 of a yoke member which includes a stem [63, the lower end of which is journaled on the lower center cross-shaft 64, as is readily apparent in Figure 1. Obviously, other means of avoiding the adjusting shaft 22 may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention contemplates means for feeding racks of articles to'be stamped to the bed l5 and likewise means for removing such racks from the 15 S ch m an ma o ise n it d n l front and rear extensions H0 or [H of the bed which lie in the same horizontal plane and may be of any suitablelength and supported in any suitable manner, not shown. This feature is best seen in Figures 4, 5 and 6, and to some extent in the Figures 1, 2 and'3. As is readily apparent in Figures 4 and 5, the right-hand or feeding bed extension I ID has a cross-shaft I I3' journaled therein in any suitable brackets I28. The ends of the shaft IE3 extend outwardly of the extension i l0 and have fixed thereon suitable sprockets i M. Endless chains I 15 extend around the sprockets ,4 and likewise around suitable drive sprockets at the far end of the extension H3. Any suitable guide means may be provided for driving the chains H5 and sprockets lid. For simplicitys sake, the right-hand end of the approach extension and the sprockets carried thereby, together with drive means for the chains i it, have not been shown. However, it is understood that any suitable and/or well known means may be utilized. The chains H5 have fixed thereon in any suitable manner longitudinallyespaced and laterallyeopposed pairs of chairs H6. The inner end portions of the chairs I 5 are internally threaded to seat the threaded shanks ll? of adjustable chairseatsl it. The purpose of the chairs and chair seats is to convey a suitable rack H9 along theextension HD and ultimately position the same on the bed i5 in proper relation to the stamp sets, whereby when the stamp frame is moved downwardly througha stamping stroke,

. the discharge extension bed III.

p the articles in the case H9 will be properly positioned below appropriate stamp sets for stamping. By-providing an adjustable seat H8, the conveyor is readily adaptable to racks of different sizes. Corner portions of the bed I are cut away, as at I29, to permit free passage of the chairs H6 and chair seats I I3 therethrough after a rack H9 has been properly positioned on the bed.

The drive shaft H3 has fixed thereon intermediate its ends a sprocket IZI, Figur 5, which drives a conveyor chain I 22 the other end of which extends around an idler sprocket I23 mounted on an idler shaft I24 secured to the discharge frame extension I I I in any suitable brackets I28. The upper'run of the chain I22 extends across the head I5 in a groove I 29 wherebyto avoid contact with the racks H9. A chair I25 is carried by the conveyor chain I22 and is passed through the feeding and discharge extensions I I9 and III by means of slots H2 formed therein. Chair I25 extends above the surface of bed I5. The timing of the apparatus is such that the chairs H6 of the approach conveyor deposit a case H9 of articles upon the bed I5 at a time when the discharge conveyor chair I25 is approaching the frame extension H0. Thus, the case H9 is allowed to remain stationary on the bed I5 throughout a stamping stroke, but is removed therefrom by the discharge conveyor chair I25 between stamping strokes and between the positioning of an additional rack or case H9 on the bed I5. Thus, the apparatus according to the invention comprises an intermittent feed of racks of articles onto the bed I5 and off of the same.

The operation of the device includes setting the stamp frame for the particular articles to be stamped by means of the flywheel 23 and adjusting screw or shaft 22. Thereafter, an appropriate gang of stamp sets is rendered inoperative by placing a blank clip 53 at the lowermost point of each chain. This is accomplished by appropriate rotation of either the crank 46 or the crank 6|, depending upon which gang is to be inactivated. Thereafter, the gang to be used is set with an appropriate stamp in the lowermost or operative stamping position. The device is now ready for use and a rack I9 filled with appropriately sized containers I 26 is positioned on the approach bed extension H0, whereby it is transmitted onto the stamping bed I5 byv the chairs H5 and chair seats H8. Manual actuation of the cranks I I will cause the parts to pass through a stamping and inking stroke, or strokes, as aforesaid. Thereafter,-the discharge conveyor chair I25 will engage the case HQ and move the same onto At such point the case may be removed for shelving by any suitable means, not shown. Thereafter, the operation is repeated as long as the size of the articles to be stamped and the setting of the stamp sets remains unchanged. However, if a batch of containers of the same size is to be stamped with a different price, it is a simple matter to actuate the appropriate crank M5 or SI, as the case may be, to properly set the active gang of sets to an appropriate setting. If a rack or containers of a different size and/or a different pattern of packing in the racks is to be stamped, it is a simple matter to inactivate the active gang by turning the stamp sets thereof to a blank space. Thereafter, the other gang is set up as aforesaid and the stamping proceeds as before.

In the event that the rack] I9 is of a different size than the one previously used, it is a simple matter to adjust the chair seats I I8 on the chairs H6 so that the rack of the new size is properly positioned beneath the stamp sets of the active gang. In the event of a break-down of the parts so that machine stamping is impossible, I contemplate providing a-hand stamp M which may be contained in one of the drawers I3 of the base II and which has a head I21 formed to. provide a spring clip corresponding to the spring clips 53 of the stamp chains. Thus, the hand stamp I4 may be utilized with any of the stamps 54 if necessary.

While I have shown and described what is now thought to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of other forms and expressions. Consequently, I do not limit myself to the precise structure shown and described hereinabove except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality of like containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mounting said frame on said arbor for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a plurality of rows of like endless belts carried by said frame, said rows being separated to provide spaces therebetween, a plurality of stamps detachably secured to each belt, means for simultaneously driving all of said belts whereby to position a stamp of each belt in a stamping position relative to said frame, a plurality of inking rolls for said stamps, there being a roll for each row of belts, means mounting said rolls on said frame with said rolls normall in inking relation to a stamp in a stamping position on each belt, means for moving all of said rolls simultaneously to inoperative positions in said spaces between said rows of belts,said last-means being thereafter operative to actuate said frame through a stamping stroke, and said last means being thereafter operative to return said rolls to said inking position.

2. A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality of like containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mounting said frame on said arbor for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a plurality of rows of like endless belts carried by said frame, said rows being separated to provide spaces therebetween, a plurality of stamps detachably secured toeach belt, means for simultaneously driving all of said belts whereby to position a stamp of each belt in a stamping position relative to said frame, a plurality of inking rolls for said stamps, there being a roll for each row of belts, a crank, a connecting rod pivoted on said crank, a pitman pivoted to said connecting rod, a crosshead pivoted to said pitman for reciprocation thereby, a lost-motion connection between said crosshead and said frame whereby to actuate the latter during a portion only of said reciprocation of said crosshead, an inking frame mounting said rolls, means mounting said inking frame for reciprocation at right angles to the path of said crosshead, a drag link pivoted to said crosshead, direct pivotal connection between said link and said inking frame, and said last-named connection being effective to reciprocatesaid inking 11 frame alternately with the reciprocations of said first-named frame.

3. A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality of like containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mounting said frame on said arbor for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a plurality of rows of like endless belts carried by said frame, said rows being separated toprovide spaces therebetween, a plurality of stamps detachably secured to each belt, means for simultaneously driving all of said belts whereby to position a stamp of each belt in a stamping position relative to said frame, a plurality of inking rolls for said stamps, there being a roll for each row of belts, a crank, a connecting rod pivoted on said crank, a pitman pivoted to said connecting rod, a crosshead pivoted to said pitman for reciprocation thereby, a lost-motion connection between said crosshead and said frame whereby to actuate the latter during a portion only of said reciprocation of said crosshead, an inking frame mounting said rolls, means mounting said inking frame for reciprocation at right angles to the path of said crosshead, a drag link pivoted to said crosshead, direct pivotal connection between said link and said inking frame, said last-named connection being effective to reciprocate said inking frame alternately with the reciprocations of said first-named frame, and means for adjusting both of said frames on said arbor toward and away from said bed whereby to accommodate containers of different sizes.

4. A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality of like containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mounting said frame for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a set of stamps carried by said frame in a stamping position, means for actuating said frame toward and away from said bed through a stamping stroke, means for inking said stamps between stamping strokes, at least another set of stamps carried by said frame in an inoperative position, and means for simultaneously moving said first set of, stamps to an inoperative position while moving said second set of stamps to a stamping position.

5. In a gang stamper for simultaneously stamping a plurality of like articles with like indicia, said stamper including a frame, the improvement comprising a plurality of substantially identical sets of stamps, each set comprising an endless belt, separate means detachably mounting each stamp on a belt, spaced driven and idler rollers for each belt, means rotatably mounting said rollers on said frame, means on said frame operatively connecting all of said driven rollers together for simultaneous actuation, whereby to position simultaneously like stamps of all sets in a stamping position.

6. In a gang stamper for simultaneously stamping a plurality of like articles with like indicia, said stamper including a frame, the improvement comprising a plurality of substantially identical sets of stamps, each set comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together to provide an endless belt and means detachably mounting a stamp on each separate link, spaced driven and idler rotatable means for each belt, means. IO-

12 tatably mounting said driven and idler mean on said frame, an endless flexible driving member operatively connecting all of said driven means together for simultaneous actuation, whereby to position simultaneously like stamps of all sets in a stamping position.

7. A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality oflike containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mounting said frame on said arbor for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a, plurality of rows of like endless belts carried by said frame, said rows being separated to provide spaces therebetween, a plurality of stamps detachably secured to each belt, means for simultaneously driving all of said belt whereby to position a stamp of each belt in a stamping position relative to said frame, a plurality of inking rolls for said stamps, there being a roll for each row of belts, a crank, a connecting rod pivoted on said crank, a pitman pivoted to said connecting rod, a crosshead pivoted to said pitman for reciprocation thereby, lost-motion connection between said crosshead and said frame whereby to actuate the latter during a portion only of. said reciprocation of said crosshead, an inking frame mounting said rolls, means mounting said inking frame for reciprocation at right angles to the path of said crosshead, a drag link pivoted to said crosshead, direct pivotal connection between said link and said inking frame, said last-named connection being effective to reciprocate said inking frame alternately with the reciprocations of said first-named frame, said rolls comprising hollow cylindrical members each; being formed with a line of perforations therethrough, ink pad-providing material covering said perforations, said perforations being normally uppermost to retain ink in said rolls, and means for rotating said rolls on each reciprocation of said. inking frame to re-ink said ink pad-pro viding material.

8., A machine for stamping indicia on a plurality of like containers simultaneously, comprising a bed adapted to receive a rack containing a plurality of like containers, an arbor fixed to said bed, a stamp frame, means mountin said frame on. said arbor for reciprocating movement toward and away from said bed providing a stamping stroke, a plurality of rows of like endless belts carried by said frame, said rows being separated to provide spaces therebetween, a plurality of stamps detachably secured to each belt, means for simultaneously driving all of said belts whereby to position a stamp of each belt in a stamping position relative to said frame, a plurality of inking rolls for said stamps, there being a roll for each row of belts, a crank, a connecting rod pivoted on said crank, a pitman pivotedlto said connecting rod, a crosshead pivoted to said pitman for reciprocation thereby, a lost-motion connection between said crosshead and said frame whereby to actuate the latter during a portion only of said reciprocation of said crosshead, an inking frame mounting said rolls, means mounting said inking frame for reciprocation at right angles to the path of said crosshead, a drag link pivoted to said crosshead, a direct pivotal con nection between said link and said inking frame, saidlast-namcd connection being effective to reciprocate said inking frame alternately with the reciprocations of said first-named frame, said rolls comprising hollow cylindrical members each permost to retain ink in said rolls, a fixed rack on said stamp frame, a pinion fixed to each roll and in mesh with said rack, and said rack and pinions being adapted to rotate'said inking frame .to re-ink said ink pad-providing material.

9. In a gang stamper for simultaneously stamping a. plurality of like articles with like indicia, said stamper including a frame and a bed adapted to receive racks of like articles thereon for stamping, the improvement comprising a gang of stamps carried by said frame, said stamps of said gang being disposed in spaced relation on said frame in a pattern conforming to that of articles of like size in a rack, at least a second gang of stamps carried by said frame, said stamps of said second gang being disposed in spaced relation and in a pattern interfitting with said pattern of said first gang and corresponding to a second pattern of racked articles of like size, means for simultaneously moving both gangs toward and away from said bed through a, stampmg stroke, and means on said rack for simultaneously rendering all of the samps of a selected gang inoperative during at least one stamping stroke. 7

NOVIS E. BRYANT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 994,971 Beck June 13, 1911 1,017,979 Lang Feb. 20, 1912 1,061,040 Brown May 6, 1913 1,235,565 Hammer et a1 Aug. '7, 1917 1,314,133 Elam Aug. 26, 1919 1,711,245 Ohmer Apr. 30, 1929 1,731,739 Du Belle Oct. 15, 1929 1,900,008 Baumgarten etial. Mar. 7, 1933 1,906,094 Powell Apr. 25,1933 1,957,167 Hoffman May 1, 1934 2,436,820 Nordquist et al Mar. 2, 1948 

